Arsenal: Mesut Ozil’s Pupil Channels His Marvellous Teacher

Arsenal were comfortable winners over Crystal Palace, even without Mesut Ozil. They won is such a fashion primarily thanks to Alex Iwobi, Ozil’s own pupil.

When the Arsenal line-up was announced there was a vindicated degree of concern running through the supporters. After suffering from creative issues in recent weeks, the Gunners would be without their primary creator due to an unexpected, unforeseen and untimely illness.

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Mesut Ozil was left out the squad altogether thanks to a late bout of sickness that also affected Aaron Ramsey, though not as severely. As such, Arsene Wenger was forced into evasive action. He persisted with Olivier Giroud as the lone striker, shifted Alexis Sanchez out wide once again and reinstated Alex Iwobi, this time in a central role rather than a wide position.

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Iwobi was phenomenal in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, fulfilling the creative and controlling duties that Ozil excels in. In his press conference after the match, Wenger himself was quick to praise the performance of the 20-year-old, heralding his spatial awareness and intelligence as an attacking force in the side:

"“I believe he is always available, quick in his movement, wants the ball, can hold people off. People forget he’s 20 years old. I think he had a very good game – on top of that, now he starts to score goals. His quality of pass, of availability, is exceptional for a young boy. He lacked a bit of quality of [receptiveness] in dangerous areas and I hope that these goals he scores now will give him the taste as well to go where he can finish it off. In training, he starts to score goals. I’m sure he will score as well in the games.”"

Iwobi was magnificent on Sunday. What was particularly impressive was his command of the game. He wanted the ball at all times, he demanded the ball throughout, was always looking to move forward when in possession, was incisive with his passing and forged much of the excellent attacking work that Arsenal produced.

I wrote earlier in the season that Iwobi is clearly learning from the mental skills of Ozil, the experience of the German, the positional awareness that he boasts, the ability to find space in between the lines, however cramped the pitch may be.

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Iwobi displayed all such skills in the win over Palace. The absence of Ozil was a major concern entering the year but, thanks to the substitutionary abilities of Ozil, ultimately, missing Ozil was nothing more than a faint and unfounded worry.